Art of Fire: Introduction to Glassblowing (Session 1)

Ramson Lomatewama is the first and only full-time Hopi glassblower, Katsina doll carver, published poet, and jeweler from Hotevilla, AZ, on the Hopi Reservation. He earned his BA from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT, in 1981. Ramson has taught various workshops and courses in the US and Japan and served as an adjunct professor of sociology at North Central College in Naperville, IL. Although Hopi ceremonies and cultural activities play a significant role in his life, Ramson continues to dedicate time to schools, universities, and museums as a visiting scholar and artist. Ramson teaches glass art for the Hopitutuqayki (The Hopi School), an arts apprenticeship program on the Hopi reservation.

Ayen Talashoma is the second generation of great Hopi glass artists. Ayen is currently an apprentice of his grandfather, Ramson Lomatewama, learning the tricks of the trade while developing his own unique approach to glasswork. These traditional ways of transferring knowledge from generation to generation ensure a rich artistic heritage for years to come.

The lab fee includes clear glass for building projects, colored glass frit to enhance your work, and the use of tools, protective equipment, and gas consumables.

• Clothing should be all cotton – no synthetic materials! These materials can and will heat up and/or catch fire. Cotton shirts, sweatshirts, etc. are acceptable. Jeans or other cotton materials are suitable for pants.
• No sandals or open toed shoes are allowed. Leather boots are recommended. 
• Your favorite polarized eyewear
• Refillable water bottle
• Personal spray water bottle. Summer temperatures are hot, a spray bottle may help in keeping you cool.

Optional:

• Comfortable lawn chair with seat cushion

Your workshop starts at 9 a.m. each day. Lunch is served from 12 to 1 p.m. Workshops resume at 1 p.m. and wrap up at 4 p.m. Dinner is served from 5 to 7 p.m. You are welcome to join evening programming led by other adult art programs. Please see your schedule for event listings. 

NOTE: Some instructors allow for after-hour work sessions. If the instructor(s) is/are willing and present in the studio, you can work on your pieces after 4 pm.

Generous donors have made scholarships and fellowships for adult workshops available on a limited basis for these specific groups:

1) Native American Community Leaders, Artists, Members, and Teachers.
2) Southern California professors, and graduate students.

Scholarships include workshop tuition, dorm housing, and all meals provided by the campus dining service. 

Please note: Transportation to and from campus is not provided. Registration and Lab Fees are also not included in scholarship awards.

Scholarship Details:
1) Native American Community Members, Leaders, Artists, and Teachers

For adults 18 and older with current tribal affiliation or proof of descent. This scholarship intends to support the traditional transference of knowledge in Indigenous communities. The scholarship welcomes community leaders, artists, members, and educators to workshops at Idyllwild Arts to benefit both the scholarship recipient and those in their schools or tribal home communities. Applicants must explain how this opportunity will enhance their understanding of Indigenous arts and their potential benefits to their home community(s). Applicants with financial needs may receive priority. We also offer scholarships for Native American Teens for both the Summer Program and the Academy.

2) Southern California professors, and graduate students
For adults 18 and older who are current teachers in lower and higher education who will benefit from learning about Native American Arts and Culture to take back into the classroom as well as currently enrolled graduate students. The scholarship is designed to provide professional development for those in education to share with their learning communities.

Click here for more information about adult scholarships.